USDA Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase I

Contact Dr. Denis Ebodaghe, National Program Leader for SBIR Small and Mid-Size Farms at debodaghe@nifa.usda.gov or (202) 401-4385 regarding questions about the topic area or to arrange a telephone consultation.

Background

The Small and Mid-Size Farms topic area aims to promote and improve the sustainability and profitability of small and mid-size farms and ranches (where annual sales of agricultural products are less than $250,000 for small farms and $500,000 for mid-size farms - hereafter referred to as small farms). The vast majority of farms in this country are small and they play an important role in the agricultural sector. The viability and sustainability of small farms is important to the Nation’s economy and to the stewardship of our biological and natural resources. While some small farms are located in urban areas, most small farms are located in rural areas, and these farms are critical to sustaining and strengthening the leadership and social fabric of rural communities. Applicants are strongly encouraged to emphasize how their project would contribute to the well-being of rural communities and institutions. In particular, applicants should emphasize how the results of their project would be disseminated to other small farmers and provide benefit to the small farm community.

Food safety, climate change, food security and sustainable bioenergy diversification of agricultural production systems and increased efficiency of farm operations and economies of scale are all important program priorities in this topic area. Additionally these areas meet the NIFA Strategic Plan Goal 1 Science: Catalyze exemplary and relevant research, education and extension programs SUB-GOAL 1.1: Advance our Nation’s ability to achieve global food security and fight hunger; SUB-GOAL 1.3: Optimize the production of goods and services from working lands while protecting the Nation’s natural resource base and environment; and SUB-GOAL 1.7: Ensure the development of human capital, communities, and a diverse workforce through research, education, extension and engagement programs in food and agricultural sciences to support a sustainable agriculture system.. Proposals are encouraged that focus on one or more of these priorities and are appropriately scaled so as to apply to the needs and capabilities of small farmers.

To meet these identified needs in the small and mid-size farm sector, the program’s long-term goals (10 years) are to achieve improvements in sustainability and profitability of small farms with increased production of specialty crops and specialty animals; improved farm management skills in small farmers that leads to more sustainable and profitable small farms; better stewardship of natural resources through adoption of more sustainable farming practices; enhanced utilization of renewable energy sources and more focus on energy efficiency and energy conservation; and better educated small farmers who are better able to operate their farms on a sustainable and profitable basis.

FY 2018 Research Priorities:

Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. New Agricultural Enterprises

Efforts are needed to develop new agricultural enterprises that are small scale and focused on specialty farm products, both plant and animal, and on innovative ways to market these farm products through direct marketing, such as farmers markets or cooperatives where the financial return to the farmer is optimized or through specialty market outlets that offer a higher financial return. Emphasis is encouraged for organic and natural foods, specialty animal products, such as free-range poultry or natural beef, non-food specialty crops, such as medicinal herbs and value-added food, and non-food products.

2. Development of New Marketing Strategies

Efforts are needed to develop appropriate new strategies for marketing agricultural, forestry and aqua cultural commodities and value-added products produced by small farms in local, regional, national and international markets, including the assessment of consumer demand; identification of desired product characteristics, including packaging and processing methods; development of new and innovative utilization of existing production and processing technologies; and the promotion of efficient assembling, packing, processing, advertising and shipping methods.

3. Farm Management

Efforts are needed to develop tools and skills that are appropriate for small farms that will enhance the efficiency and profitability of small farms. New tools are also needed that will enhance farm safety. Development of new risk management tools to facilitate better planning is needed. Development of improved farm level life-cycle assessment tools that help small to mid-sized farms 1) improve operations through resource efficiency and 2) quantify ecosystem services provided is needed. Innovative ways to promote agro-tourism as a way to enhance farm profitability is encouraged.

4. Natural Resources and Renewable Energy

Efforts are needed to develop farming methods scaled appropriately for small farms that are directed at more efficient use of natural resources. Particular emphasis is needed to develop better ways to utilize renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy, and to promote improved energy efficiency and conservation in farming operations.

5. Educational Outreach

Efforts are needed to develop new tools to ensure that the next generation of small farmers has access to the information and resources they need to operate their small farms on a sustainable and profitable basis.

6. Urban Farming

In recent years there has been increasing interest in the establishment of small farms in urban areas on roof tops, in abandoned building and in vacant lots. Efforts are needed to explore ways to make urban farming more energy efficient, environmentally sustainable and profitable. The most appropriate crops for urban farms need to be determined. Procedures that would increase the establishment of new urban farms need to be developed.

Other Key Information

•  All Phase I applications should give the reviewing community a brief vision of where the PD expects the project to be at the end of Phase II (entering Phase III commercialization).
•  For aquaponics, unless the focus is applying current aquaponics technology, proposals that deal with developing significant technological improvements should be submitted to 8.7 Aquaculture.
•  The applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the NPL regarding the suitability of research topic.

Contact Dr. Rachel Melnick, National Program Leader for SBIR Plant Production and Protection Engineering at rmelnick@nifa.usda.gov or (202) 401-4980 regarding questions about the suitability of research topics or to arrange a telephone consultation.

Background

The objective of this topic area is to enhance crop production in both conventional and organic systems by creating and commercializing engineering technologies that enhance system efficiency and profitability and that protect crops from pests and pathogens in economically and environmentally sound ways. Projects that promote energy conservation or efficiency in food and fiber systems are strongly encouraged. Engineering projects must describe the system need; design specifications, and functionality and reliability; and cost benefit analysis. Where feasible, describe the testing metrics, experimental design, and materials and methods to collect and analyze data on the metrics. This topic area supports the NIFA Strategic Plan Goal 1 Science: Catalyze exemplary and relevant research, education and extension programs; SUB-GOAL 1.1: Advance our Nation’s ability to achieve global food security and fight hunger; SUB-GOAL 1.2: Advance the development and delivery of science for agricultural, forest, and range systems adapted to climate variability and to mitigate climate impacts; and SUB-GOAL 1.3: Optimize the production of goods and services from working lands while protecting the Nation’s natural resource base and environment.

FY 2018 Research Priorities 

Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Improved crop production methods or strategies

Enhance the efficiency of crop production by utilizing innovative methods and equipment for planting, growing and harvesting crop plants that optimize inputs and reduce operational costs. Topics may include but are not limited to:

a. Technologies that enhance commercial horticulture production

Projects to improve the competitiveness of U.S. commercial horticulture production including flowering potted plant, bedding plant, cut flower production, seasonal crops, annuals, and perennials.

b. Production, harvesting, and postharvest handling of specialty crops and in organic systems.

Projects to reduce manual labor, maintain quality, reduce food safety issues, reduce waste streams, and select for quality and consumer preference.

c. Cyber-physical systems to support precision agriculture.

Projects that accelerate the integration of cyber-physical systems into precisions agriculture including methods, tools, hardware, and software components.

2. Plant protection against abiotic and/or biotics stresses

Reduce the impact of plant pathogens, insect pests, weeds, and abiotic stresses on crop plants. Topics may include but are not limited to:

a. Improved chemical application technology

Projects that increase product efficacy, worker safety, and reduce off-target drift of applied chemicals.

b. Monitoring, detection, and management.

Projects that provide engineered technical solutions for monitoring, detection, and management of pests and abiotic stresses at the earliest stage of their manifestation. Projects on diagnostics submitted to this area should focus on engineering, not biological solutions.

3. Energy conservation

Develop crop management systems, farm and greenhouse structures, and waste utilization strategies that promote energy conservation and efficiency, including the development of technology for the economic use of alternative/renewable energy resources.

4. Pollinators and crop production

Engineering technologies that address the health and success of domesticated and natural pollinators of economically important crops.

Other Key Information

• Applications that deal with irrigation and related technology should be sent to the 8.4 Air, Water and Soils topic area.
• Applications that deal with the feedstock logistics of woody biomass (including short rotation crops like willow and poplar) should be submitted to the 8.1 Forest and Related Resources topic area.
• Applications that deal with the production of algae for biofuel production should be submitted to the 8.7 Aquaculture topic area.

In addition to the areas listed above, USDA NIFA recognizes Agriculturally-related Manufacturing Technology and Energy Efficiency and Alternative and Renewable Energy as two cross-cutting priorities with relevance to all areas listed in this program solicitation. The USDA NIFA encourages applicants to address these priorities, as appropriate, within their applications. However these are not meant to be standalone topic areas. Special consideration will be given to applications that address one or more of these priorities under the Project Narrative (Part IV, C.3b(1)).

Agriculturally-related Manufacturing Technology

On February 26, 2004, the President issued Executive Order 13329 (69 FR 9181) entitled “Encouraging Innovation in Manufacturing.” In response to this Executive Order, USDA NIFA encourages the submission of applications that deal with some aspect of agriculturally-related manufacturing technology. Since manufacturing impacts all aspects of agriculture and rural development, applications dealing with manufacturing could be submitted to any of the topic areas.

Energy Efficiency and Alternative and Renewable Energy

In an effort to find alternatives to fossil fuels and to reduce overall energy usage, the USDA established research on energy efficiency and alternative and renewable energy as a high priority. Such research includes development of new energy crops, improved methods for producing biofuels, such as ethanol, butanol and biodiesel, producing hydrogen and other fuel gases from agricultural waste, and more efficient use of energy in agricultural production and in rural communities. Energy issues impact all aspects of agriculture and rural development and thus applications dealing with energy efficiency and alternative and renewable energy could be submitted to any of the topic areas.

D. Three-phase Program

The USDA NIFA SBIR program is carried out in three separate phases. Phase I is to determine the scientific or technical feasibility of ideas submitted by applicants on research topic areas described in this solicitation. This program solicitation is only for the preparation and submission of Phase I applications. Phase I awards may not exceed $100,000 for a period normally not to exceed eight (8) months. However, longer grant periods, of up to 20 months, may be considered if the proposed research project will require more than 8 months to complete. The Phase I application should concentrate on research that will significantly contribute to proving the scientific or technical feasibility of the approach or concept and will be a prerequisite to further USDA SBIR support in Phase II.

Phase II applications promote principal R/R&D and the potential to commercialize the innovation. Phase II will require a more comprehensive application, outlining the proposed effort in detail and the commercialization strategy for the effort. Only prior Phase I grant recipients are eligible to submit a Phase II application at the conclusion of the Phase I grant period. USDA NIFA SBIR typically announces the Phase II RFA in late November or early December with a deadline in early February. USDA NIFA recognizes that Phase II awards may not be sufficient in either dollars or time for the firm to complete the total R/R&D and the commercialization activities required to bring the project results to a marketplace. Therefore, completion of the research under these circumstances may have to be carried into Phase III.

The purpose of Phase III is to stimulate technological innovation and the national return on investment from research through the pursuit of commercialization objectives resulting from the USDA NIFA-supported work carried out in Phases I and II. Federal SBIR funds may not be used to support Phase III projects. However, firms are strongly encouraged to secure Phase III funding from their own resources or from other public and private sources. Additionally, Phase III is to be conducted by the small business firm, including joint ventures and limited partnerships.

E. Potential Commercial Outcome

In addition to supporting scientific research and development, another program goal is to provide incentives and opportunities for small business firms to convert USDA NIFA-sponsored research into technological innovations in the private sector. All proposed research should have some potential commercial outcome. Phase I applications should contain a description of any potential commercial application(s) and whether or not the small business concern will attempt to secure follow-on, non-SBIR funding to pursue the commercial development of the expected products from the proposed research. Additionally if a Phase I applicant has received a prior Phase II grant from the USDA NIFA SBIR Program, the applicant is requested to provide USDA NIFA with an update on the commercialization activities of the prior project (See Part IV, C. Section 9. SBIR/Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) Information; Field 8. Documentation of Prior SBIR Phase II Awards).

Contact Dr. Robert Nowierski, NPL for SBIR Plant Production and Protection - Biology at rnowierski@nifa.usda.gov or (202)401-4900 regarding questions about the suitability of research topics or to arrange a telephone consultation.

Background

The objective of this topic area is to examine novel ways of enhancing crop production and protection by applying biological approaches to develop new methods for plant improvement, apply traditional plant breeding methods and new technologies to develop new food and non-food crop plants, develop plant characteristics that reduce the harmful impact of plant pests and biotic stresses, as well as new genotypes of existing crop plants with characteristics that allow for their use in new commercial applications. This topic area supports the NIFA Strategic Plan Goal 1 Science: Catalyze exemplary and relevant research, education and extension programs; SUB-GOAL 1.1: Advance our Nation’s ability to achieve global food security and fight hunger.

FY 2018 Research Priorities:

Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Plant improvement

Improved crop production using traditional plant breeding and biotechnology, including but not limited to, molecular biology, and mutagenesis, genomics, tissue culture, and/or embryogenesis to produce crops with new or improved quality, yield, agronomic, horticultural, value- added, and/or economic traits. Topics may include, but not limited to:

a. Improvement of commercial floriculture production

Biological and/or technological approaches to improve the competitiveness of U.S. production of flowering potted plants, bedding plants, seasonal crops, annuals, perennials, and cut flowers.

b. Development of new crops

Development of new crop plants as sources of food, non-food industrial or ornamental products.

2. Pollinators and crop production

Projects that address the health and success of domesticated and natural pollinators of economically important crops.

3. Plant protection against abiotic and/or biotic stresses

Reduced the impact of plant pathogens, insect pests, and abiotic stress on crop plants; and increasing plant resistance to plant pathogens, insect pests, and abiotic stress. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

a. Improved plant disease diagnostics

Accurate, rapid, and cost-effective identification of causal agents in specialty crop plants at the earliest possible stage relative to manifestation of disease.

b. Bio-Based approaches

To protect organically-grown crops from insect and nematode pests and diseases, including the development of decision aid systems that are information extensive and time sensitive.

Other Key Information

• Phase I applications involving the development of transgenic crops would benefit by the inclusion of a brief description of the proposed path to commercialization, including an understanding of what will be needed to clear regulatory consideration. Phase II applications involving the development of transgenic crops should have an expanded section on how regulatory considerations will be met and market entry attained. Applications that deal with non-biological engineering technologies should be sent to topic area 8.13 Plant Production and Protection-Engineering.
• Applications that deal with the genetic improvement and production of woody biomass feedstock crops should be submitted to the 8.1 Forest and Related Resources topic area.
• Applications that deal with the genetic improvement and production of algae should be  submitted to the 8.7 Aquaculture topic area.

Contact Dr. Robert Smith, NPL for SBIR Animal Production and Protection at rsmith@nifa.usda.gov or (202) 401-4892 regarding questions about the topic area or to arrange a telephone consultation.

Background

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations predicts that feeding the world’s growing population will require a doubling of global food production by 2050. Fulfilling this need will require new technologies to improve both productivity and efficiency of food animals. The Animal Production and Protection topic area aims to develop innovative, marketable technologies that will provide significant benefit to the production and protection of agricultural animals. New technologies for rapid detection, treatment and prevention of disease are needed to improve productivity and enhance the biosecurity of our herds and flocks. Better technologies are also needed to develop and enhance alternatives to the use of antibiotics since pathogen resistance and human sensitivity to residue food products derived from animals have become of increasing concern. To meet increasing consumer demand for value-added animal products, innovative technologies are needed to address the challenges presented by non-conventional management systems and strategies. And there is an urgent need for technologies that decrease the impact of animal agriculture on the environment and optimize use of our natural resources. Technological advances in animal production and protection will not only enhance the safety of the Nation’s food supply and contribute to environmental stewardship, they will also allow American producers to remain competitive in the global marketplace and contribute to global food security. This topic area supports the NIFA Strategic Plan Goal 1 Science: Catalyze exemplary and relevant research, education and extension programs; SUB-GOAL 1.1: Advance our Nation’s ability to achieve global food security and fight hunger.

FY 2018 Research Priorities:

Development of marketable technologies designed for use in agriculturally important animals that will:

1. Improve production efficiency

Areas of interest include improved fertility; increased feed efficiency; and translation of genomic information into practical use and benefit.

2. Improve the safety and/or quality of end products derived from animals

These technologies must be applicable in the pre-harvest environment.

3. Improve animal health and well-being

Examples of these technologies include new diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines and other immunization methods, biosecurity management tools, traceability methods, and animal handling methods and developing alternatives to the use of antibiotics.

4. Improve the productivity of animals in modified conventional or alternative animal production systems

Examples include non-confinement housing, pasture-based feeding systems, and organic systems.

5. Mitigate the impacts of animal agriculture on the natural environment

Areas of interest include technologies that decrease greenhouse gas emissions or reduce the excretion of phosphorus and nitrogen, but does not include manure management.

Other Key Information

• Applications that deal with post-harvest technologies for products derived from animals will not be accepted for review under this program area. Applications that deal with post-harvest technologies for foods derived from animals may be submitted under topic area 8.5 Food Science and Nutrition.

• Applications dealing with aquaculture species should be submitted under topic area 8.7 Aquaculture.

Contact Dr. Karelyn Cruz, National Program Leader for SBIR Air, Water and Soils at karelyn.cruz@nifa.usda.gov or (202) 604-7742 regarding questions about the topic area or to arrange a telephone consultation.

Background

The Air, Water and Soils topic area aims to develop and commercialize technologies and innovations for conserving, monitoring and protecting air, water and soil resources while sustaining optimal farm and forest productivity. Climate variability, natural resources conservation (air, water and soils) and food security are major focal points of this topic area. We encourage new technologies and innovations that will help improve soil; reduce soil erosion; improve water and air quality; enable plant and animal production systems to adapt to changing climatic conditions; and conserve and use water more efficiently. This topic area supports the NIFA Strategic Plan Goal 1 Science: Catalyze exemplary and relevant research, education and extension programs; SUB-GOAL 1.2: Advance the development and delivery of science for agricultural, forest, and range systems adapted to climate variability and to mitigate climate impacts; and SUB-GOAL 1.3: Optimize the production of goods and services from working lands while protecting the Nation’s natural resource base and environment.

FY 2018 Research Priorities:

Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Water Quality and Conservation

Develop new and improved technologies to optimize water management conservation at both the farm level and at a watershed scale, monitor the quality of surface water and groundwater resources for biotic and abiotic pollutants, including animal manure and pharmaceuticals, develop improved methods for the reuse of waste water, including the remediation and restoration of water resources that impact agriculture and forestry operations, and promote watershed restoration.

2. Irrigation

Develop improved irrigation technologies for both farming and landscaping applications that will provide more efficient and cost-effective delivery of water and chemicals. Develop new irrigation methods that allow for more efficient use of water including accurate delivery of water to where it is needed.

3. Soil Erosion

Develop better methods for preventing soil erosion by wind and surface water runoff and for monitoring wind erosion and sediment transport.

4. Soil Health

Develop new technologies for measuring soil physical, chemical and biological properties including, but not limited to, soil nutrient content, microbial functional activity related to nutrient cycling, methods to remediate degraded soils and the physical and chemical structure of soil.

5. Air Resources

Develop new and improved technologies to monitor air quality and reduce air pollution stemming from agricultural enterprises, including manures from livestock and poultry production systems.

Other Key Information

• The applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the NPL regarding the suitability of research topics.

Contact Dr. Jodi Williams, NPL for SBIR Food Science and Nutrition at jwilliams@nifa.usda.gov or (202) 720-6145 regarding questions about the topic area or to arrange a telephone consultation.

Background

The Food Science and Nutrition topic area aims to fund projects that support research focusing on developing new and improved processes, technologies, or services that address emerging food safety, food processing and nutrition issues. The program will fund projects to: 1) increase the understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of food; 2) improve methods for the processing and packaging of food products to improve the quality and nutritional value of foods; and 3) develop programs or products that increase the consumption of healthy foods and reduce childhood obesity. The outcome of a successful project is a proof of concept for a marketable item or patented process.

The long term goals (10 years) of the program are to commercialize the production of useful new food products, processes, materials, and systems that reduce food-borne illness, obesity and enhance the nutritional quality and value of foods. This topic area supports the NIFA Strategic Plan Goal 1 Science: Catalyze exemplary and relevant research, education and extension programs; SUB-GOAL 1.1: Advance our Nation’s ability to achieve global food security and fight hunger; SUB-GOAL 1.5: Combat childhood obesity by ensuring the availability of affordable, nutritious food and providing individuals and families science-based nutritional guidance; and SUB-GOAL 1.6: Reduce the incidence of food-borne illness and provide a safer food supply.

FY 2018 Research Priorities:

Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Food Safety

Developing technologies for the rapid detection of food borne hazards (microorganisms, chemicals, toxins) during pre- and post-harvest processing and distribution.

2. Food Quality-Engineering

Developing innovative food processing and packaging technologies and materials that reduce post- harvest losses in produce while maintaining safety and quality.

3. Food Quality-Science

Understanding the physical, biological, and chemical interactions and functionality of food in order to develop affordable food ingredients and/or food formulations that contribute to the development of high quality foods.

4. Nutrition-Education

Developing and implementing interactive programs for nutrition educators and teachers to increase nutrition awareness and improve health to address obesity among children.

5. Nutrition-Science

Improve functionality and efficacy of foods, nutrients and/or dietary bioactive components in promoting health.

6. Nutrition, Food Safety and Quality Data Tools

Development of software tools and technologies that collect and analyze nutrient data, food safety and food quality data.

Other Key Information

The applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the NPL regarding the suitability of research topics.

• Improvements of current commercial methods should address high false positive and high false negative rates associated with PCR based methods for detection of food borne pathogens in produce and high false negative rates associated with immunoassays for detection of Salmonella.
• If proposing a new rapid bacterial detection test, the test should be designed to detect at least 1 colony forming unit (cfu)/25grams of food using approaches that reduce or eliminate enrichment and should be designed to allow for sampling of large volumes of food.
• Projects that promote value-added products and processes are encouraged.
• Projects that address functional foods to promote health are encouraged.
• Projects on novel screening methods for threat agents need strong letters of support from the appropriate Federal agency that will be the end user of the technology.
• Projects that focus on technologies for improving cost benefit and model-based analyses, including distribution, warehousing, and retailing systems as they relate to the economy are acceptable.
• Applicants who have received previous SBIR funding should address outcomes for those projects.
• Projects should include appropriate collaborations with experts in the field of investigation (i.e, a Food Scientist or Nutritionist as a part of the development team for the project).

Contact Mr. Brent Elrod, NPL for SBIR Rural and Community Development at belrod@nifa.usda.gov or (202) 445-5456 regarding questions about the topic area or to arrange a telephone consultation.

Background

The objective of this topic area is to improve the quality of life in rural America by creating and commercializing technologies that address important economic and social development issues or challenges in rural America. Projects must explicitly discuss the specific rural problem or opportunity that will be examined and how the proposed technology will successfully address the problem or opportunity. Applications must also include an objective to assess the impacts of the proposed project on the environment or the socio-economic development of rural areas. The applications need not be centered on agriculture, but may be focused on any area that has the potential to provide significant benefit to rural Americans. This topic area supports the NIFA Strategic Plan Goal 1 Science: Catalyze exemplary and relevant research, education and extension programs; SUB-GOAL 1.7: Ensure the development of human capital, communities, and a diverse workforce through research, education, extension and engagement programs in food and agricultural sciences to support a sustainable agriculture system.

FY 2018 Research Priorities:

Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Development of services and information and managerial systems that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Local Governments and Public and Private Institutions

Topics may include educational programs, including apps and gaming, which address the specific needs of people in rural areas (e.g., development of entrepreneurship and workforce skills); use of big data in community development planning; new housing designs; improved health care delivery; appropriate educational, transportation and communication technologies and services; and marketing of new information and technologies.

2. Development of technologies and services that protect or enhance the environment while promoting economic development

Topics may include technologies and services, including proposals to catalyze activities for harnessing big data to synthesize new knowledge, to make predictive decisions, and to foster data-driven innovation in agriculture, ecosystem protection, sustainable practices, food loss and waste reduction, energy conservation, and alternative energy source development – such as wind and solar energy (excluding biofuels).

3. Reducing the vulnerabilities of rural communities from hazards (excluding intentional acts such as terrorism)

Procedures and data-enabled solutions are needed to make rural communities more sustainable to natural or unintentional hazards such as food-borne illnesses, food contamination, droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, climate variability, through better preparation, forecast and warning, response and rebuilding phases of hazard mitigation, including communication.

4. Development of technologies and services that specifically address the needs of youth, the elderly, disabled persons, military veterans, and the low-income sector of the rural population Efforts are needed that will enhance human capital development, build earnings capacity, increase labor force participation and/or promote job creation to the most vulnerable populations in rural communities, and promote food security, including issues of access to adequate amounts and quality of foods.

5. Increasing opportunities for employment and income generation in rural communities

Topics may include, but are not limited to, creative place making, recreational economies, rural tourism, agri-tourism, e-commerce innovations that connect producers with markets, and off-farm value-added agricultural development.

Other Key Information

• The applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the NPL regarding the suitability of research topics.
• If funded, projects are expected to enhance the environmental and economic vitality of rural communities. Therefore, applications must contain an objective to assess the impacts of the proposed project on the environment or the socio-economic development of rural areas.
• Applications dealing with on-farm production agriculture research should be submitted to topic area 8.12 Small and Medium Sized Farms.
• Applications dealing with the development of biofuels and biobased products should be submitted to topic area 8.8 Biofuels and Biobased Products.

Contact Dr. Gene Kim, NPL for SBIR Aquaculture at Gene.W.Kim@nifa.usda.gov, (202) 401-1108 regarding questions about the topic area or to arrange a telephone consultation.

Background

The Aquaculture topic area aims to develop new technologies that will enhance the knowledge and technology base necessary for the expansion of the domestic aquaculture industry as a form of production agriculture. Seafood production from the wild is under increased pressure due to overfishing, and therefore aquaculture is increasingly an important source of farmed seafood and an important contributor to food security. Emphasis is placed on research leading to improved production efficiency and increased competitiveness of private sector, commercial aquaculture in the United States. Studies on commercially important, or potentially important, species of fish, shellfish and aquatic plants from both freshwater and marine environments are included. In this context, new technologies are needed to improve production efficiency, protect aquaculture species against disease, and ensure the safety of farmed seafood.

To meet these identified needs in aquaculture, the program priorities include: improved aquaculture production resulting from improved reproductive efficiency in fish and shellfish; improved aquaculture production resulting from genetic improvement in fish and shellfish; improved aquaculture production resulting from improved animal health; improved aquaculture production with reduced water usage and improved production efficiencies; and cost-effective production of algae for use as aquaculture feed and as a source of valuable human food supplements. This topic area supports the NIFA Strategic Plan Goal 1 Science: Catalyze exemplary and relevant research, education and extension programs; SUB-GOAL 1.3: Optimize the production of goods and services from working lands while protecting the Nation’s natural resource base and environment.

FY 2018 Research Priorities:

Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Reproductive Efficiency

Novel or innovative approaches to improve reproductive efficiency in aquaculture species including: greater control of maturation, ovulation and fertilization; improved gamete and embryo storage; improved larval rearing techniques; enhanced reproductive performance of broodstock; improved methods for cryopreservation of sperm and embryos; and methods to control sex determination.

2. Genetic Improvement

Novel or innovative approaches to improve production efficiency through genetic improvement of aquacultural stocks including: genetic mechanisms of sex determination; genetic basis for inheritance of commercially important traits, such as growth, cold tolerance, and pathogen susceptibility; identification of major genes affecting performance; application of molecular biology and genomics and the integration of this technology into breeding programs; and performance evaluation of aquacultural stocks and utilization of crossbreeding and hybridization.

3. Integrated Aquatic Animal Health Management

Novel or innovative approaches to reducing acute and chronic losses related to aquatic animal health in aquaculture production systems through an integrated holistic approach including: physiological stress related to the quality of the aquatic production system; genetic, environmental, and nutritional components of aquatic health management; control of predation in aquaculture production systems; development of new vaccines or immunization procedures to enhance resistance to infectious diseases and parasites; development of diagnostic tests for specific diseases that pose a health hazard; and development of improved treatment methods for acute or chronic health problems caused by specific infectious or non- infectious agents, parasites, injuries and chemical and toxic agents.

4. Improved Production Systems and Management Strategies

Novel or innovative approaches to improve existing or alternative production system design and management strategies including: development of biological, engineering and economic design criteria and models; enhancement of water quality in existing production systems through aeration, flow patterns, etc.; characterization, handling and treatment of effluent from aquacultural production systems; improved harvesting methods and strategies; and improved operating efficiencies for recirculation systems.

5. Algal Production Systems

Novel or innovative approaches to improve the efficiency of algal production systems including: identification of new species with improved nutritional profile for use in feeding to other aquacultural species or as a source of valuable human food supplements; development of improved bioreactor technology; and development of better methods for harvesting algal biomass.

Other Key Information

• The applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the NPL regarding the suitability of research topics.
• For aquaponics, unless the focus is on developing significant technological improvements, proposals that deal with applying current aquaponics technology should be submitted to 8.12 Small and Mid-Size Farms
• Applications that deal with the development of new food products derived from aquaculture species should be submitted under topic area 8.5 Food Science and Nutrition

Contact Dr. Toby Ahrens, NPL for SBIR Biofuels and Biobased Products at toby.ahrens@nifa.usda.gov or (202) 401-6050 regarding questions about the suitability of research topics or to arrange a telephone consultation.

Background

The objective of this topic area is to promote the use of non-food biobased products and biofuels by developing new or improved technologies that will lead to increased competitiveness of value-added products from agricultural materials. This research will lead to new opportunities to diversify agriculture and enhance agriculture’s role as a reliable supplier of raw materials to industry. Historically, appropriate research areas have included: development of improved technology for converting agriculturally derived raw materials into useful industrial products; development of new products from new industrial crops; and improving the effectiveness or cost-competitiveness of industrial products derived from agricultural materials in comparison to non-agriculturally derived products. In order to enhance the impact of the program, acceptance of applications will be limited to select Research Priority Areas. This topic area supports the NIFA Strategic Plan Goal 1 Science: Catalyze exemplary and relevant research, education and extension programs; SUB-GOAL 1.4: Contribute to U.S. energy independence and enhance other agricultural systems through the development of regional systems for the sustainable production of optimal biomass (forests and crops) for the production of bioenergy and value-added bio-based industrial products.

FY2018 Priority Research Areas

Examples of appropriate subtopics for research applications from small businesses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. New Non-food Biobased Products from New Industrial Crops

Identification of markets and development of new biobased products and processes from new industrial crops or microbes. These products should be economically competitive and have environmental sustainability benefits compared to similar products on the market.

2. New Processes for the Manufacture of Industrial Products, Chemicals, or Biofuels

New processes for the production of biobased industrial products, chemicals, or biofuels that will be competitive with the cost and performance of equivalent petroleum-based products. Support for biofuel projects includes the sustainable conversion of crops and agricultural residues into biofuels (conventional, cellulosic, or advanced biofuels) or coproducts that will improve the economic feasibility of production of those biofuels. Technologies must seek to minimize adverse environmental impacts such as energy use, water use, harmful byproducts, and life cycle carbon emissions in comparison to incumbent products.

Other Key Information

• Applications that include software development or other data-intensive technologies are encouraged to apply for topics related to the Priority Research Areas listed above.
• Applications that deal with developing value-added biofuels (including ethanol) and biobased products from forest biomass should be sent to the 8.1 Forest and Related Resources topic area.
• Applications that deal with developing biofuels and bioenergy that will improve the sustainability of small and mid-size farms should be sent to the 8.12 Small and Mid-Size Farms topic area.
• Applications that deal with the genetic improvement or production of biomass feedstock crops except for woody biomass and algae should be submitted to the 8.2 Plant Production and Protection – Biology topic area.
• Applications that deal with the genetic improvement, production, or feedstock logistics of woody biomass feedstock crops should be submitted to the 8.1 Forest and Related Resources topic area.
• Applications that deal with the genetic improvement, production, or feedstock logistics of photosynthetic algae should be submitted to the 8.7 Aquaculture topic area.
• Applications that deal with the engineering aspects of the planting, production or post-harvest handling of biomass feedstock crops should be submitted to the 8.13 Plant Production and Protection – Engineering topic area.
• Animal manure and carcass waste are considered acceptable feedstocks for applications to the 8.8 Biofuels and Biobased Products topic area.
• Microbial approaches must demonstrate a credible path to industrially-relevant conversion rates, yields, and titers.